Wandering Destination : Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Bhubaneshwar (Part-I)




Wandering Destination : Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Bhubaneshwar (Part-I)


The pagoda, known as white peace pagoda, has been built by the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha in the 1970s. Ashoka fought his last battle, infamous Kalinga war, on the banks of river Daya flowing near by the place. It is said that water of the river turned red with blood on seeing which Ashoka realised the tragedy a war brings. He raised many chaityas, stupas and pillars. Many rock edicts have been discovered in the vicinity of this stupa place showing the inscribing made by King Ashoka.

The construction of Shanti Stupa of Dhauligiri was assisted by Fuji Guruji and therefore, the place became the place of devotion and worship for various people belonging to different generations. The overall structure of the stupa is in the shape of a dome. No doors, no rooms to be found. At a short distance from the Shanti Stupa, the temple of Dhavaleshwar is located. Temple was renovated in the year 1972 and is much frequented by Hindu as well as Buddhist devotees. Do visit Dhauligiri, appreciate the sculptures and explore this Buddhist attraction that add to the sacred significance of Dhauligiri in Orissa.


History of Shanti Stupa


Sculptures of lions : Such eight lions are located around stupa
in four directions looking away towards the city
Location: 

It is located at Dhauli, a small village about 6 km away from Bhubaneshwar, and situated on the banks of river Daya. 

Stupa can be approached by road with private vehicle, tourist bus (prior booking is required) or auto rickshaw. Auto Rickshaw may take about 300 rupees from Bhubaneshwar and back, waiting period included.

Entry fee and visiting time:

There is no entry fee to the stupa. However, toll is collected (rs 5 per vehicle) at the entry point to the village.

No time restriction. One can visit anytime. I advice not to visit very early or on late eve. The area is isolated and not safe.




Stone carvings on the walls of the stupa telling stories about the life of Buddha


Photography tips:


  • For photography morning time and dusk time would be preferable to shoot stupa with dramatic backgrounds.

  • Visit as often as you can at different times. I am sure, monument will appear very different every time you visit.

  • So many tourists visit this stupa. Getting human-free image of the sculptures may be difficult. Spend more time, be patient and grab the right moment.

  • Use CPL to capture gradient in the background. 

  • Use wide angle lens if available with minimum focal length say about 10 or 12 mm.



View of the entry gate from the top



References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhauli
http://www.dhauli.net/shanti-stupa-dhauligiri.html



15 comments:

  1. Very nice pictures..I reminded my visit some years back.

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  2. Such a historic place! The stone carvings are beautiful. Maybe it was painted gold?

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  3. Great place..I had visited this place when I had come to Bhubaneshwar trip...memory revisited :)

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  4. Lovely pics, paresh :)
    I love the place! Bhubaneswar has wonderful places of interest.

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  5. Great series of captures. Hope to visit some day!

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  6. Great captures. Bhubaneswar is my native place, it has much more great places.... :)

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  7. Great series of captures. Hope to visit some day

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  8. Bhubaneswar a nice place with the mix of new and old things..!

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  9. Thanks for showing it to us, it's a beautiful pagoda!

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  10. It’s such a pride to take a visit to the landmark where the remarkable Battle of Kalinga took place to change the life of Ashoka. These places often confined only to the history book pages should be visited by children for better learning and comprehension.

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  11. Lovely. I just loved your post. Revel in the aura of serenity and enjoy spell binding views when you visit Dhauli Giri Hills. Check out Lingaraja temple also, the largest temple in Bhubaneshwar which offer some breathtaking architecture!


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Thank you for visiting !